Ok, I have a rookie question. My thernostat housing is really pitted up where the upper hose clamps on. Is it reusable or do I need a new one?

 

The scale will come off with steel wool. The pitting look marginal for sealing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACDELCO-OE-SERVICE-15-1443-Thermostat-Housing-Water-Outlet-/140993460093?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20d3dd777d&vxp=mtr

 

I already hit is with a softer brass wire brush to clean it up. There is some pretty good pitting all the way around it. So it will not seal well, correct ?

 

The pitting looks like it travels the complete length on the hose contact area. It looks like is a 50-50 chance on sealing. You can resurface the mating surface on a piece of glass and use 220 sand paper and use 100-150 around the neck to smooth out the pits but if you weigh your time vs $20 you might pop on the new one after a little time working on the old one alittle.

 

Honestly i would just get a new one hell you can get a chrome one for pretty cheap

 

I am going to get a new one, just looking around now. Thanks for your help guys I appreciate it.

 

CAREFUL WHEN U BUY ONE SOME TIMES AUTO BLOW WILL SELL U ONE THAT IS CLOCKED WRONG AND IT WONT FIT UNDER THE THROTTLE BODY IF YOU HAVE A TPI. MATCH IT TO THE ONE ON THE ENGINE BEFORE YOU BUY IT.

 

I've gotten by wiping a little silicone gasket maker on pitted water necks in the past. Then slip the hose on. Make sure you clean it up real good so the silicone sticks.
A new housing would be best though if you can get one.

 

Thanks, guys, I can tell you I looked at the one from Advance and it is a POS. For now I an planning on cleaning, sanding, and RTVing so I can reuse the existing one because not sure the quality of the stuff on-line. This way i can get the car running this week. I got to get it running for the 4th of July weekend. Nothing better then American Iron!!!!